04/29/2012

SAVING RUTH by Zoe Fishman

Ruth Wasserman is looking forward to returning home to Alabama for the summer. Her freshmen year at Michigan is finally behind her. No more late nights spent studying for exams or wild parties hanging out with guys who won’t remember her name in the morning. Much has changed for this simple plus-size Jewish girl trying to make her way in the world. Without a doubt, her recent weight loss is sure to be the hot topic in town.

With the hot, sultry days looming, Ruth is excited to be lifeguarding at the neighborhood pool again with her favorite co-worker, her brother David. Home from college, her soccer star sibling has always been the town’s hero. Handsome, athletic, and smart, David is every girl’s dream boyfriend. Near close to perfect in their parents’ eyes, David can do no wrong.

What starts out as any normal summer day turns into a life-changing moment when Ruth steps in on David’s watch and saves a little girl from drowning. Whispering suspicions from friends and family are raised as to David’s wherewithal to allow such a mishap to occur. When a secret between the siblings put their loyalties to the test, their relationship weathers emotional growing pains that forever will change their lives.

SAVING RUTH is the second novel by Zoe Fishman, author of Balancing Acts. With rich prose evoking the sweet scents of lazy summer days, she captures the true essence of a family in crisis. The tender relationship between the siblings and the emotional turmoil of the adults dealing with the after effects of empty-nest syndrome make this novel relatable for all ages. A truly poignant story worth the read.